The Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary stands on the elevated part of the island of Ortigia, incorporating what was once the main Doric-style sacred temple of the polis of Syrakousai, dedicated to Athena (Minerva) and converted to a church with the advent of Christianit
Considered the most important church in the city of Syracuse, it has become part of UNESCO's protected heritage as a World Heritage Site. Its style is mainly Baroque and Rococo on the outside, while on the inside it alternates between parts dating back to the Sicelian period, as they belonged to the Greek temple, and parts dating back to medieval times, built by the Normans and thus left to the present day. Its internal structure is composed in several naves and chapels, which have a classical and ornate style, also typical of the Baroque.
Of great religious significance, it holds statues, relics and the remains of saints, martyrs and noble Syracusans. Its furnishings have seen the succession of artists from many parts of Italy and abroad. Always a symbol of Syracusan religiosity, the cathedral traversed the various historical and cultural phases of the city.The site where the Cathedral or Cathedral of Syracuse stands can be described as unique in that it has been uninterruptedly the centerpiece of the main sacredness of the city of Syracuse. The history of this site begins as early as pre-Greek times, when Siculians came to settle there. Then there arose near it a Ionic temple, rare in Italy and in Europe, with similarities and analogies to the eastern architectural style. To archaeologists these discoveries made it clear how that area was considered sacred and important to the ancient Syracusans. Then Gelon, the first tyrant of Syracuse, arrived there and erected an imposing Doric temple, the most important in the polis, and it was dedicated to Athena.
Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Address: Piazza Duomo, 5, 96100 Siracusa (SR)
Phone: +39093165328
Site:
https://www.secretsiracusa.it/dove-andare-a-siracusa/duomo-di-siracusa/Location inserted by
Alberto